Thursday, July 07, 2005

Madeline Albright gives interviews to Koha Ditore, Zëri and Express

In an interview for Koha Ditore, former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said: ‘I know Kosovans have a dream and people are entitled to have their dreams fulfilled.’

‘I think there has been delay in the process by the international community. But I now have the feeling that the international community has realized the need to use this year – the year of status – in a very important way,’ Albright added.

The leading front-page headline in Zëri says Albright is encouraged that the US is again taking an active position on Kosovo’s status. ‘Under-Secretary Burns has emphasized the importance for this process to function. I have talked to him before coming to Kosovo. He is energetic and I believe this is a very important year. This is the year of status and many decisions and it clearly seems that there will be international representatives who will play a role in this process, but they also need to consult Kosovans regarding this process,’ said Albright.

‘I love the people of Kosovo, but friends make honest criticism. Corruption ruins democratic societies. Foreign investors can lose their interest if they are suspicious about the management of tenders,’ Albright is quoted as saying on the front of Express.

In a meeting with journalists in Pristina, Albright said standards should move along with status and status should not be a blockade to the economic development and regional cooperation.